"I, alas!" Signor di Marito sighed, "must not leave my post for one single moment. These are no days for theatre-going for my poor countrymen."
"Then the duty seems to devolve upon you," Fenella decided, smiling toward Arnold.
"I am sorry," he replied, "but I, too, seem to be unfortunate. I could not possibly get away from the city in time."
"Absurd!" she answered, a little sharply. "You are like a boy with a new hobby. It is I who wish that you leave when you choose."
"Apart from that," Arnold continued, "I am sorry, but I have an engagement for the evening."
She made a little grimace.
"With your invalid friend?"
Arnold assented.
"I should not like to leave her alone this evening. She has been in a great deal of trouble lately."
There was a moment's silence. A slight frown had gathered on Fenella's forehead.